Mechanical Characterization of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA Composite and Parameters Optimization

This study investigates the impact of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing parameters on the mechanical properties of 700 µm length carbon fiber-infused PLA composites with 10 µm diameter. Employing the Taguchi method with an L27 orthogonal array, variations in layer thickness, air gap, printing temperature, orientation, and nozzle material were explored. The results highlight layer height, nozzle material, and printing orientation as significant factors influencing the mechanical properties of 3D printed carbon PLA composites. The observed improvements, compared to pure PLA, reveal a substantial 10% and 55% enhancement in strength. Notably, TiC nozzle material outperforms steel and brass, attributed to its lower friction and higher flow ability, contributing to superior printability and enhanced bonding between layers, resulting in improved mechanical properties.